Once again the IDF is on the defensive, responding to accusation made by PA (Palestinian Authority) officials.

IDF officials’ reported earlier Tuesday, 4 Shevat 5773 that soldiers’ gunfire was directed at 17-year-old Samir Awad during the morning hours as he tried to down the border fence in the Burdus area, in the Ramallah district. Soldiers fired at his lower extremities the IDF spokesman reports.

PA officials took the body to a Ramallah hospital, so Israeli officials cannot confirm the facts in the case. The PA claims he was hit in the upper torso by three shots fired by IDF soldiers.

IDF officials state the dead male tried getting past the border to enter Israel and was fired upon within operational protocol.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)